Thousands of runners and walkers made their way through downtown Cincinnati racing toward a cure for heart disease and stroke. The 41st annual Heart Mini marathon was a victory lap, raising about $3.5 million over a full day of races and runs. Eighteen-year-old David Moskowitz lead off the 1,000 steps. The ceremonial 1K was not the longest distance, but it marked perhaps the furthest journey.The Sycamore High School lacrosse player was in the middle of his senior year in December when he said something just didn't seem right."I woke up, I had numbness in the tongue, then it moved to my lips, then the whole right side of my face went numb," Moscowitz said.Doctors discovered David had an inoperable brain aneurysm. The debilitating neurological disorder landed him in ICU for 25 days. He now has a daily routine of physical therapy. On February 19, David's 18th birthday, he was back on the field with his lacrosse teammates. Those teammates were at the run cheering him on.Recovering from a 2012 stroke, 38-year-old Mimi Duffy is on that journey as well. She said her sister, Stacy, has been with her every step of the way."I do therapy like a job every day. And I get a little bit better everyday. She is right there with me," Duffy said.Dr. Evie Alessandrini of U.C. Health said the show of support at the annual run reflects the great support of this Cincinnati community."We are so fortunate to live in a community that comes together not only to treat people that have experienced heart disease and stroke, but to celebrate them and their battles that they have undergone to get here."David looks back at the cheering crowd getting louder as he approaches the 1K finish line."I'm just doing the daily work and pushing through. That's all I can hope for. Never stop and keep pushing."Organizers for this year's Heart Mini Marathon had a fundraising goal of $3.5 million. The event is Greater Cincinnati's largest fundraising event.

CINCINNATI —

Thousands of runners and walkers made their way through downtown Cincinnati racing toward a cure for heart disease and stroke. The 41st annual Heart Mini marathon was a victory lap, raising about $3.5 million over a full day of races and runs.

Eighteen-year-old David Moskowitz lead off the 1,000 steps. The ceremonial 1K was not the longest distance, but it marked perhaps the furthest journey.

The Sycamore High School lacrosse player was in the middle of his senior year in December when he said something just didn't seem right."I woke up, I had numbness in the tongue, then it moved to my lips, then the whole right side of my face went numb," Moscowitz said.

Doctors discovered David had an inoperable brain aneurysm. The debilitating neurological disorder landed him in ICU for 25 days. He now has a daily routine of physical therapy. On February 19, David's 18th birthday, he was back on the field with his lacrosse teammates. Those teammates were at the run cheering him on.

Recovering from a 2012 stroke, 38-year-old Mimi Duffy is on that journey as well. She said her sister, Stacy, has been with her every step of the way.

"I do therapy like a job every day. And I get a little bit better everyday. She is right there with me," Duffy said.

Dr. Evie Alessandrini of U.C. Health said the show of support at the annual run reflects the great support of this Cincinnati community.

"We are so fortunate to live in a community that comes together not only to treat people that have experienced heart disease and stroke, but to celebrate them and their battles that they have undergone to get here."

David looks back at the cheering crowd getting louder as he approaches the 1K finish line.

"I'm just doing the daily work and pushing through. That's all I can hope for. Never stop and keep pushing."

Organizers for this year's Heart Mini Marathon had a fundraising goal of $3.5 million. The event is Greater Cincinnati's largest fundraising event.